Part-timers deserve say on airport

Wednesday

May 30, 2007 at 3:08 AM

The May 22 editorial concerning the "stakeholders" selected by Venice for planning the future of the Venice Municipal Airport hit the bull's-eye. It illustrates that Venice city management is inbred with the Chamber of Commerce and oblivious to the interests of the ordinary citizen.

But, your editorial actually exposes part of an enormous iceberg of disdain the City Council shows to lots of its citizens.

To illustrate, following the council-airport board workshop on May 17, the mayor was quoted as saying in regard to an immediate charette, "I just can't see putting the city on hold because somebody decides to spend three months somewhere else." What the mayor said, in effect, was that part-time residents will not influence what goes on here. Those snowbirds can pay taxes, they can maybe even vote, and they can volunteer and contribute all they want. But, when it comes to deciding on a future course for the city, keep out.

Perhaps this attitude is typical of resort communities. To top it off, there are the neglected neighbors of the municipal airport, the new Venice cash cow.

Thus, we hear statements from City Hall saying, in effect, that we have nothing on paper yet, or construction won't start for a year. A favorite Catch-22 that goes with such statements is that we haven't made a decision yet, so there is nothing for the public to discuss.

For the airport, the favored retort is the reflexive put-down that the airport was here first. In Venice, this translates as the airport can do anything it wants.

These responses fly in the faces of snowbirds and senior citizens who like many of the special qualities of Venice.

So, what's the hurry with the airport charette? Let's hear from all the stakeholders for a change.

Earl Quandt

Venice

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